Researchers try putting living skin on a tiny robot, and it’s creepy AF
In the movie Terminator, the killer cyborg T-800 is covered with living tissue that makes it difficult to discern from a human. And it seems we’re closer to that reality, thanks to a research team in Japan.
The team from the Institute of Industrial Science at the University of Tokyo reportedly has figured out how to anchor living skin to a small robot face, which smiled for the camera.
Here’s a glimpse of this experiment, a 3D facial mould (on a 2D robotic surface) made from collagen and elastin:
For its new technique, the team was inspired by the natural structure of human skin ligaments to create “anchors” using a collagen gel applied to small, V-shaped holes on the robot’s surface.
This new technique helps the skin look realistically smooth, while avoiding the “bunching up” problem from previous experiments. This means it can be successfully anchored to complex surfaces, like a human face for example.
This new advancement builds on attempts to emulate human skin that has been grown in a lab. The skin, applied to a robotic finger, could bend without breaking. Here’s a look at that from a couple of years ago:
I can only imagine the applications for this new living tissue (Ai girlfriends and boyfriends come to mind.)
However, the team also touts the potential for this living tissue to be used for cosmetics testing, and even helping advance cosmetic surgery training. (On that note, the living tissue could help burn victims.)
The research team isn’t finished. It plans to advance this breakthrough by incorporating sweat glands, nerves (that respond to stimuli), and even blood vessels, notes this report. It adds that muscles could be added to achieve human-like facial expressions on larger-scale models.
The somewhat creepy new “face” can theoretically be attached to a robot face, giving it a life-like appearance.
Imagine the results if it was paired with Ameca, billed as the most humanoid robot to date.
The new living tissue experiment surely has the biotech and Ai robotics industries buzzing, not to mention people who have never felt the warm touch of a lover.